General Information

Box Canyon, in Mt. Rainier National Park is very aptly named since it a geographical box canyon or a small ravine or canyon with steep walls on three sides and follows a zigzag course allowing access only through the mouth of the canyon. It is very unusual to have such a narrow, deep and steep walled canyon in a glaciated area. More typical are the huge U-shaped canyons like Stevens Canyon which was carved out of glaciers.

This canyon is located roughly halfway between Longmire and the Stevens Canyon Park Entrance and is open for access June to September depending upon snow melt. A .3 mile one-way mostly paved trail leads across a canyon bridge and down along the canyon and eventually splits off from the Wonderland Trail.

Just looking down at the narrow walls covered in green mosses, trees clinging precariously to the edge and smooth basalt while the river pulses down through the canyon is worth the one hour side trip.

Please feel free to add your own pictures if you have visited this amazing place.

Comments

This album is well prepared!!! There is a short written introduction and a proper numer of pictures (at least 15) is attached here. No doubts it is worth of a vote = 10!!! :-)
Of course, the presented place is very interesting and pictures are beautiful!!!
Such an album is good info on mountains!!!
Congrats!!!!!
Romek

I've been to the area many times and you've done a beautiful job of covering it (Box). My favorite camping area (family) is Ohanepecosh. We go there almost every year and will be there again this year. From there, you can explore the area very nicely.

The valley in which Box Canyon sits was carved by the Cowlitz Glacier, which retreated from the area 10,000 years ago.

Isn't there a "Box Canyon Picnic Area" nearby? Geez, I wish I was
sitting down on a picnic table there now. I'd probably be scarfing down a hot dog with some awesome potato salad (with pickles) on the side.